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Who will take a chance on Alexandre Lacazette?

The transfer window is full of surprises. As you think a deal is about to go through, something will come up affecting the player and both clubs, which could affect other deals already in place. A ‘domino effect’ is a good phrase to describe the events of the summer window, as seen with the situation of Lyon forward Alexandre Lacazette.

His preferred destination seemed to be Atletico Madrid after praising the club in the last few months. However, after a transfer ban was handed to Atleti, any move for the Frenchman was down the plug with him being unwilling to sit on the side-lines for six months in a World Cup year. This has led to speculation of a Premier League move, something the striker himself as admitted his interest in.

Lacazette has been impressing over the channel for years now and may finally get his deserved big-money move. 37 goals in 45 games made him one of the best in the continent this year. Netting 20+ goals in all competitions in the last four seasons proves his consistency. Quick, powerful and in the peak of his powers, there’s no better time for him to depart his hometown club of eight years. So who should be looking at bringing him in to strengthen their position in the Premier League?

Arsenal

It was a season to forget for Arsene Wenger’s men, meaning their moves in the transfer market are more important to make up lost ground. Alexis Sanchez’s future is in the balance and reliance on Olivier Giroud only seems to get them so far, added armoury is vital to get them back in the title picture. It’s the type of signing that could still convince the likes of Mesut Ozil and Sanchez to stay in North London and end their wait for a Premier League crown.

The fee being rumoured is £60 million, but not only can they afford it, Lyon have interest in Giroud which could progress a deal between the clubs. As a good a striker Giroud is, Lacazette is an upgrade and in the calibre of forwards Arsenal have needed since Robin Van Persie’s departure. The only question is can they attract without the lure of Champions League football?

Liverpool

Guiding the Reds back into the Europe’s elite club competition was the first step for Jurgen Klopp. Now they’re there, they must improve. Daniel Sturridge is out of favour and Roberto Firmino isn’t a natural frontman. A move for Lacazette would give them one of the best attacks in the country, adding much needed strength in depth, as the club suffered with the injury to Sadio Mane last season.

The owners are willing to provide funds for Klopp to make the Liverpool the real deal once more. He’d fit right into a pacey strike-force with Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana. Anfield has always been a wonderful place to play football, now with the eccentric manager, exciting players and European nights on the horizon, it’s all the more appealing.

Chelsea

Diego Costa is surplus to requirements according to reports of a message from Antonio Conte. A replacement they should keep in mind is Lacazette. Alvaro Morata favours Manchester United and Monaco’s Kylian Mbappe looks set for Real Madrid if any move from his current club takes place, so the Lyon striker is ideal.

Depending on any move for Romelu Lukaku, he makes a good alternative who can fit right into the side. He would be cheaper than the Belgian and despite being older, has better a goal return than the Everton striker. Trying to bring Lukaku back seems more likely but Lacazette should be in consideration to bolster their options.